Pendle Business Awards 2024 took place on Thursday 11 July at the Fence Gate after a six year hiatus for the awards programme.
170 attendees comprising finalists, sponsors, supporters and guests celebrated business success, innovation and entrepreneurship at the black tie event. All were treated to a sparkling reception on arrival, courtesy of Reception Sponsors NORI HR & Employment Law.
The awards brought the Pendle business community together to celebrate their success, innovation, hard work, vision and entrepreneurship. They also recognised the tenacity, adaptability and resilience shown by organisations across the borough when facing the many challenges of recent years. Over 35 different and diverse finalists were celebrated on the evening, businesses and organisations that underpin our Pendle communities providing services, products, employment, opportunities and supporting local need.
To ensure that the awards celebrated and reflected the breadth and depth of businesses that make Pendle the fantastic place it is to work, live and visit four brand new awards were added for 2024 – Family Business, Hospitality & Tourism, Not For Profit and Retailer of the Year.
This meant that 14 different award categories were contested on the evening, with each having been shortlisted down to just three finalists by the PBA judges and sponsors. Despite returning for the first time in six years, there was much competition which meant that finalists had to be doing something special to impress the judges to make the shortlist. Some organisations were finalists in multiple categories, which given the standard of entries was a fantastic achievement.
After networking on arrival, swing singer Arthur Geldard entertained the room prior to the ceremony throughout the delicious three course dinner, interacting with the audience and even inspiring a conga on his last song!
The MC for the evening was Simon Brierley of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce. The CEO of Pendle Borough Council, Rose Rouse provided the opening address, with Awards Organiser Rachel Kay of Pendle Connects and Leader of the Council Asjad Mahmood also taking the stage to provide their own welcomes and introductions.
The awards were presented after dinner, on stage, by the category sponsors with the Winners being invited to the stage to receive their awards. Winners and finalists were then having official photographs taken with their sponsors and receiving commemorative certificates. Huge congratulations to all our 2024 winners, who are listed below.
The final award of the evening, the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, was presented to Stephen Barnes in recognition of 50 years dedication and service to the Borough of Pendle. Stephen received a standing ovation after being presented with his award by the Chairman of the Pendle Vision Board, Dennis Mendoros OBE DL.
Headline Sponsor for the awards was Pendle Borough Council. The awards were also supported by East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and the Pendle Vision Board. Trophy Sponsors were Barnfield Construction and AdPak, Andrew Stephenson CBE and Barlick Raj Balti joined as Ceremony & Entertainment Sponsors. D&M Creative based in Barrowford printed the banners, brochures, certificates and tableplan.
Organiser Rachel Kay said ‘I’d like to say a huge congratulations to all our Winners, and to our Finalists too. It was a real privilege to celebrate with you, we’re delighted you could join us. I would also like to thank all our sponsors and supporters for their commitment to PBA24, without them we simply couldn’t have run the awards. Pendle Connects is delighted to announce that Pendle Business Awards will now be an annual celebration of achievement and innovation. Planning has started for 2025 already and the Ceremony will take place Thursday 3 July again at The Fence Gate.
Full albums of photos and individual winners announcements can be found on social media at Facebook and LinkedIn @pendlebusinesssawards
There are plenty of ways for businesses to get involved with the 2025 awards, find out more and view the exciting sponsorship opportunities at the dedicated website www.pendlebusinessawards.co.uk or contact Organiser Rachel Kay on 07920 775457.
The 2024 winners were – Lifetime first then in alphabetical order, view the Official Winners Photos here
Lifetime Achievement Award for 2024 was presented to Stephen Barnes 🥂🏆 – This award was presented by Pendle Vision Board
Apprentice of the Year Award for 2024 was presented to Amatullah Bharucha of Graham Engineering Ltd 🥂🏆 – This award was kindly sponsored by Nelson & Colne College Group
Family Business Award for 2024 was presented to North Valley Forge Ltd 🥂🏆 – This award was kindly sponsored by MENDO Enterprises
Green Business Award for 2024 was presented to Hill’s Premier Polymers Ltd 🥂🏆 – This award was kindly sponsored by Pendle Connects
Hospitality & Tourism Award for 2024 was presented to Fence Gate 🥂🏆- This award was kindly sponsored by Colne BID
Large Business Award for 2024 was presented to XLCR Vehicle Management Ltd 🥂🏆 – This award was kindly sponsored by D&M Creative
Make it in Pendle Award for 2024 was presented to Wolfenden Concrete Ltd – 🥂🏆 This award was kindly sponsored by Pendle Borough Council
Medium Business Award for 2024 was presented to Domiciliary Home Care Services 🥂🏆 – This award was kindly sponsored by XLCR Vehicle Management Ltd
Micro Business Award for 2024 was presented to Emma Weston Illustration 🥂🏆 – This award was kindly sponsored by Coalition Facilities Management
Not For Profit Award for 2024 was presented to Pendleside Hospice 🥂🏆- This award was kindly sponsored by Carers Link Lancashire
Retailer Award for 2024 was presented to Harp Ceramics Ltd 🥂🏆 – This award was kindly sponsored by Domiciliary Home Care Services
Rising Star Award for 2024 was presented to Herd & Hive Ltd 🥂🏆 – This award was kindly sponsored by Steadplan
Small Business Award for 2024 was presented to Harringtons Learning Centre 🥂🏆- This award was kindly sponsored by NORI HR & Employment Law
Social Responsibility Award for 2024 was presented to VS Group Holdings Ltd 🥂🏆 – This award was kindly sponsored by Barnfield Construction
Workforce Development Award for 2024 was presented to Graham Engineering Ltd 🥂🏆 – This award was kindly sponsored by Riverside Recruitment